As the days go by, it is seeming more and more likely that the NFL will officially announce that they are moving to a 17-game regular-season schedule beginning in 2021.
In fact, in his latest Football Morning in America column, Peter King said that the 17-game schedule is “highly likely” to begin in 2021.
But, what happens if a 17-game schedule happens? Who would the Detroit Lions play as their extra opponent?
Well, according to King, the extra games will consist of AFC vs. NFC cross-conference matchups.
From Pro Football Talk:
A note about how the league configured the extra game: When the NFL was choosing options, the formula that prevailed—follow me now—was AFC versus NFC, cross-conference matchup from two years ago, 2021 matchup based on 2020 standings. Now that you’re totally confused, here’s an example: The four AFC West teams played the four NFC North teams in 2019. In 2020, Kansas City finished in first place in the AFC West, Green Bay first in the NFC North. So in 2021, it’s AFC West against NFC North, and 1-versus-1 from ‘20 becomes Green Bay versus Kansas City.
If what King is saying is true, and we have no reason to think otherwise, the Lions, who finished No. 4 in the NFC North would take on the Denver Broncos, who finished No. 4 in the AFC West.
That game would likely take place in Denver as King has heard all 16 of the 2021 extra matchups will be hosted by the AFC teams.
